However, Cheshire’s Oulton Park wasn’t too kind to Byrne and the Ducati last year, where he finished 9th, DNF and 5th last September.

“It seems all I’ve gone on about lately is getting my season started,” Byrne admits. “Donington Park didn’t go to plan at all and then Brands Hatch wasn’t what we needed so onwards and upwards. We tested recently at Oulton Park and got some important miles under our belts and even though I wasn’t 100% happy with the bike, we still ended up second fastest so hopefully we can build on that. The fact remains and is quite simple, I need to win and that’s my intention.”